Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader, John Thune, issued a statement addressing the ongoing budget resolution discussions. Thune highlighted the Republican commitment to collaborating with President Trump to prevent Democrats from imposing what he described as an "automatic $4 trillion tax hike" on Americans by the end of the year.

Thune stated, "Democrats’ knee-jerk opposition to President Trump nearly caused a government shutdown weeks ago, and now it threatens economic catastrophe for the country as Democrats want to allow the pro-growth Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to expire. This would mean higher tax rates for families, slashing the standard deduction claimed by roughly 90 percent of tax filers, and cutting the child tax credit in half – per child. We cannot allow this to happen."

He further emphasized the significance of the budget resolution in preventing the tax increase, as well as laying the groundwork for substantial investments in border security, national defense, and the promotion of American energy. According to Thune, "This budget also demonstrates a commitment to reducing the size and scope of the federal government by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, while we stand with President Trump to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid."

Thune mentioned that the Senate parliamentarian has reviewed the Budget Committee’s substitute amendment, finding it fit for consideration under the Budget Act. He concluded by noting, "It is now time for the Senate to move forward with this budget resolution in order to further advance our shared Republican agenda in Congress."